Pics: Oniel Andrade, Kalmady
Media Release
Udupi, Mar 9: The honorary pillar and grotto of Our Lady of Velankanni was blessed and inaugurated at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Udupi Diocese on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
The honorary pillar was donated by Stroiney and Sudha Pais, Barkur and the grotto was donated by Stany and Theresa Noronha, Pamboor.
The grotto was built for the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni that was given by Umesh Poojary, Kediyoor. The donors were felicitated on the occasion.
In his message, Bishop of Udupi diocese said, “We have inaugurated the honorary pillar and the grotto today. Our Lady of Velankanni is the patron of this church. The original statue was bought from Velankanni but this statute is given to us by a non Christian brother and many have witnessed miracles through Mother Mary. We always adore the sacrament in the church first. We have chosen a right place for mother Mary in the church and the honorary pillar is seen in the Basilica. The flag of Pope is hoisted on the important feasts on the pillar. Even at the church we hoist the flag of Our Lady of Velankanni on the first day of the feast. It has its own meaning. Though this church has few families we see numerous works done here with the help of kind hearted donors. We need to keep them and their families in our prayers,” he said.
Parish priest Fr Alban D'Souza thanking everyone said, “All the works in this place have been done with the backing of the bishop. They have led the diocese with wisdom and faith. When this statue was bought here they had instructed me to build a sanctuary for the statue in the church and today it shines beautifully. I also thank my donors who have extended their wholehearted service towards the same. I also thank everyone who has worked for making this event a successful one.”
Honorary Pillar
The Honorary Pillar at Kalmady is 43 feet tall. In the bottom of the pillar there are 8 divisions facing 8 sides. These divisions showcase a photo of new church and old church building in two sides, inauguration date of the pillar (09 March 2019) and name of Bishop of Udupi Diocese, photo of Our Lady of Velankanni and names of the donors.
During 2 occasions in the year, flag will be hoisted over this pillar. They are the on the first day of Novena before the annual feast of Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine, and on the annual feast of the church.
Sanjay Andrade, pastoral council vice-president, Shobha Mendonca, secretary pastoral council, Francis Fernandes, 18 commission coordinator, Umesh were present during the ceremony.